And here is another friendly tip. CHECK OUT the 2+2 Program at Dalian Polytechnic University.

I am the 66-year old teacher mentioned in the final paragraph of the previous posting but contrary to what was said in the earlier posting, I continue to have many options! However, after teaching in the 2+2 Program at Dalian Polytechnic University (DPU) for the past five years, I have decided to return to Canada in July 2011 to begin some new adventures. Before I leave DPU, I feel it is important provide another point of view about teaching in the 2+2 Program at this university.

The goal of the 2+2 program, which is a compulsory credit course, is to improve the reading, writing, listening and speaking English levels for students during their first two-years at Dalian Polytechnic University to enable them to write and achieve a score of 6.0 in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) so they can continue their studies overseas for another two-year period. Contrary to what was stated in the earlier posting, kids are NOT promised that they can go to a real university after they complete two years in the program. The students must pass the 2+2 Program and achieve a minimum of 5.0 in the IELTS exam in order to obtain an overseas visa.

In my experience, the majority of Food Science, International Trade, Computer Science and Business English students in the 2+2 Program at DPU work hard to achieve 6.0 in IELTS because they know a higher score will help them to be more successful when they study overseas. These students are a pleasure to teach. Most of them are responsible students who have good attendance, complete assignments on time, and have a thirst for knowledge about the world around them.

The International Office at DPU currently has exchange programs with a number of universities in Australia, the USA and the U.K. The entrance requirements are different for each university. For the Art & Fashion students, who are the weakest students in the 2+2 Program, I am aware that some of these students have been accepted on their artistic and creative abilities rather than their levels of English.

The comments about Janson are unwarranted. Janson, who is responsible for the 2+2 program at DPU, fully understands east-west cultural differences, and is sensitive to the needs of his teachers. I found Janson supportive, caring and committed to responding to my needs, both at a professional or personal level. Whenever difficulties surfaced, Janson was always quick to resolve them in a professional and meticulous manner.

The teachers office is now fully equipped with a printer and laptop. Multi-media equipment has also been installed in the classroom, and other multi-media rooms are also available.

Yes, the airport is nearby, and at times the airplanes (depending on the direction they are taking off) disturb the class.

I am aware that an ad has been posted on Daves Caf to find a new teacher for the 2+2 program at DPU. My advice: If youre interested as a result of reading my comments, do more research and dont simply accept the negative comments posted by Dan on 2011 03 03.
Joy McGill ttjmcgill@hotmail.com